SSC CGL Tier 1 2019 English Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Explanation

The grammatical construction one of the requires a plural noun because the phrase refers to a single individual or item selected from a larger group. In the segment one of the first artist, the noun artist is in the singular form, which violates this rule of subject-verb agreement and quantity. The correct usage should be one of the first artists to indicate that Raja Ravi Varma was one member among the group of early artists.

Explanation

Renown is defined as the state of being widely known, honored, or acclaimed by the public, typically due to significant achievements or distinguished qualities. It originates from the concept of being celebrated or spoken of frequently. Fame is its direct synonym, as it also refers to the condition of being known or talked about by many people, especially on account of notable successes or reputation. both terms describe a high level of social recognition and distinction.

Explanation

The word foreign refers to something that originates from or is characteristic of a country or language other than one's own. In a broader sense, it denotes something that is external or alien to a particular place or entity. Its direct linguistic opposite is native, which refers to a person, plant, or object that belongs naturally to a specific environment, place, or country by birth or origin. While foreign implies an outside source, native signifies an indigenous or local source, making it the most appropriate antonym in this context.

Explanation

The context of the sentence refers to the geographical and historical source of the language. To originate means to have a specified beginning or to arise from a particular place. Since English is a West Germanic language that first emerged in early medieval England and was later introduced to the Indian subcontinent during the period of British colonial rule, it did not have its starting point or beginning within India. The term originated is the standard linguistic and historical descriptor used to identify the place where a language first came into existence.

Explanation

The definite article the is used when referring to a specific noun that has already been mentioned or is clearly defined by the context. In this passage, the word country in blank (2) refers specifically to India, which was introduced in the first sentence. Therefore, the is the grammatically correct choice to identify that particular country.

Explanation

The preposition with is used in this context to indicate the possession of a specific attribute or feature. When describing a list of entities followed by a defining characteristic, with serves to connect the noun countries to the phrase most English speakers, signifying that the countries on this list are characterized by having a high number of English speakers. This usage correctly establishes the relationship between the category and the specific statistical data being described in the sentence.

Explanation

The word prevalent is used to describe something that is widespread or common in a particular area or at a particular time. In this context, it refers to the wide reach and common usage of the English language across India, noting that its presence and utility are more extensive throughout the population than any single indigenous language.

Explanation

The word pervade means to spread through and be present in every part of something. In the context of the passage, it describes how the English language has successfully spread across the globe and established its presence in almost every region, becoming a universal medium of communication. This fits the overarching theme of the language's extensive reach and influence mentioned throughout the text.

Explanation

The idiom to feather one's own nest means to provide for oneself or increase one's own wealth and comfort, often selfishly or dishonestly, especially while in a position of authority. It derives from the behavior of birds that use feathers to line their nests for added warmth and comfort. When applied to individuals like politicians, it signifies that their primary motivation is personal gain and the promotion of their own interests rather than the welfare of the public they are meant to serve.

Explanation

The given sentence is in the Present Continuous tense, which follows the active voice structure: Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing + Object. To convert a Present Continuous sentence into the passive voice, the structure used is: Object + am/is/are + being + Past Participle (V3) + by + Subject. Applying this rule, the object cash transactions is plural, so it takes the auxiliary verb are, followed by the continuous marker being and the past participle replaced. Therefore, the correct passive construction is: Cash transactions are being replaced by credit cards.

Explanation

The word proportion is derived from the Latin term proportio, which combines the prefix pro meaning for or according to with the root portio meaning part or share. In standard English orthography, the word requires an r after the initial p and another r following the second o to correctly represent its phonetic structure and etymological origins. The suffix -tion is the standard Latin-derived ending used to form nouns of action or state.

Explanation

The idiom out of the woods is a figurative expression used to indicate that someone is no longer in danger or is free from a difficult or critical situation. It often describes a person who has passed the most dangerous phase of an illness or a financial crisis and is now on the path to recovery or safety. The phrase evokes the imagery of being lost or trapped in a dense forest and finally reaching clear, safe ground. In the given sentence, the man heaves a sigh of relief because the immediate threat or peril he was facing has subsided.

Explanation

The term rarefied specifically describes air that is less dense and has lower pressure, which is a characteristic physical property of the atmosphere at high altitudes such as 15000 feet. As elevation increases, the atmospheric pressure drops, causing the air molecules to spread out and become thin. In English usage, rarefied is the standard adjective employed to characterize this specific condition of the air in mountainous or high-altitude regions.

Explanation

The word ascent refers to the act of rising, climbing, or moving upward, such as climbing a mountain or an airplane taking off. Its linguistic and conceptual opposite is descent, which describes the process of moving downwards, sloping to a lower point, or the act of coming down from a higher position. Since ascent denotes an upward trajectory, descent is its direct antonym as it denotes a downward movement.

Explanation

The sentence structure requires the Present Perfect tense in the main clause to indicate an action or state that has continued from a point in the past until now. According to the rules of English grammar, the auxiliary verb have is always followed by the past participle (V3) form of the verb, which is seen for the verb see (see-saw-seen). The conjunction since is used to refer back to a specific point in time in the past, and the clause following it must be in the Simple Past tense (V2). Therefore, the verb leave must be changed to its past tense form, left. Combining these requirements, the grammatically correct segment is seen him since I last left.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the passive voice using the simple past tense, indicated by the auxiliary verb were followed by the past participle given. To convert this to the active voice, the verb must be changed to its simple past form, which is gave. The implied agent they becomes the subject of the active sentence, followed by the verb gave and the object us, while the rest of the sentence remains consistent to preserve the original meaning and tense.

Explanation

The sentence refers to a historical action performed by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in the 19th century, which requires the verb to be in the simple past tense. Therefore, the present tense verb use must be replaced with the past tense used. Furthermore, the construction to suggestion is grammatically incorrect; to express purpose or intent, the infinitive form to suggest (to + base verb) is required. The phrase used the ancient texts to suggest correctly fixes both the tense and the grammatical structure of the purpose clause.

Explanation

The word quiet is an adjective or noun used to describe a state of making very little noise or being calm and peaceful. Its standard English spelling follows the pattern of the Latin root quietus, where the letter q is followed by the vowel u and then the sequence i-e-t. This specific arrangement of letters is the accepted orthography in both British and American English to denote silence or tranquility. It is frequently used in common expressions such as keep quiet or a quiet neighborhood.

Explanation

The word assist means to help someone typically by doing a share of the work or by providing something that is needed. It originates from the Latin word assistere, which means to stand by. Both assist and help are used to describe the action of providing support, aid, or relief to another person to make it easier for them to carry out a task or achieve a goal.

Explanation

The word inaudible is formed by combining the prefix in-, which means not, with the root word audible, derived from the Latin verb audire, meaning to hear. It is the specific term used to describe a sound that is too quiet, at a frequency outside the range of perception, or otherwise impossible for the ear to detect.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the Simple Past tense, identified by the verb caused. The transformation from active to passive voice in the Simple Past tense follows the formula: Object + was/were + V3 + by + Subject. In this sentence, the death of at least twenty-three persons acts as the object, and a campus fire in California acts as the subject. When converting to passive voice, the object becomes the new subject. Since the death is a singular noun phrase in this context, the auxiliary verb was is used followed by the past participle caused. The agent is then introduced using the preposition by, resulting in the construction The death of at least twenty three persons was caused by a campus fire in California.

Explanation

The conjunction unless is inherently negative as it means if... not. In English grammar, using a negative word like not within a clause introduced by unless creates a redundant double negative, which is logically and grammatically incorrect. To express the condition properly, the sentence should use a positive verb form after unless, such as Unless you do your homework. Alternatively, if a negative is required, the conjunction if should be used instead, as in If you do not do your homework. Since the segment Unless you did not combines the negative conjunction with a negative auxiliary, it constitutes the grammatical error in the sentence.

Explanation

The word intricate refers to something that has many small parts or details arranged in a complicated way. It implies a high degree of elaborateness and difficulty in understanding or following due to its multifaceted nature. The term complex is its most accurate synonym as it also describes something composed of many interconnected parts that are not simple to analyze or resolve. Both words are used to characterize systems, designs, or situations that involve a high level of detail and sophistication.

Explanation

The word absurd is used to describe something that is wildly unreasonable, illogical, or preposterous. Its direct antonym is sensible, which refers to actions or ideas that are based on good judgment, practical reasoning, and sound logic. While absurd implies a lack of sense or rationality, sensible denotes being wise and prudent.

Explanation

Expanding vocabulary involves the process of learning words that are currently unknown or not part of one's existing linguistic repertoire. The sentence describes a common cognitive strategy for language acquisition where a learner bridges the gap between existing knowledge and new information. By relating a word they already recognize to an unfamiliar one, the learner uses semantic associations and contextual clues to deduce the meaning of the new term, thereby successfully adding it to their vocabulary.

Explanation

The logical sequence follows the chronological steps of preparing a recipe for kheer. Sentence C initiates the process by describing the first step of boiling milk and adding rice. Sentence D follows naturally by explaining the cooking and stirring required until the mixture thickens. Sentence A acts as a conditional instruction to adjust the consistency of the mixture after the thickening process mentioned in the previous step. Sentence B is the concluding step, as indicated by the transition word Finally, which involves adding the finishing ingredients like sugar and nuts to complete the dish.

Explanation

The word pleased functions in this sentence as a participial adjective. In English grammar, the adverb very is used to modify adjectives and past participles that have acquired a purely adjectival meaning, such as pleased, tired, disappointed, or interested. While much is generally reserved for modifying past participles in the passive voice or adjectives in the comparative degree, very is the standard intensifier for these specific adjectival forms. Therefore, very pleased is the grammatically correct and most idiomatic way to express the intensity of the feeling in this context.

Explanation

Leisure is correctly spelled as L-E-I-S-U-R-E. It is a notable exception to the spelling rule i before e except after c, where the letter e is placed before the i even though it does not follow the letter c. The word is derived from the Old French word leisir, meaning to be permitted, and refers to time spent free from work or duties. Its orthography is consistent with standard English conventions for words of this specific French origin.

Explanation

The verb adapt means to become adjusted to new conditions or a specific environment. In the context of the sentence, moving to a new place necessitates a process of modification in behavior or mindset to suit the local surroundings. The second clause of the sentence, which mentions adjusting to the ways of a culture, provides a clear semantic link to the act of adaptation. Furthermore, adapt is idiomatically followed by the preposition to, making it the most linguistically appropriate fit for the blank.

Explanation

The context of the passage describes a long-standing behavioral pattern of the elephant China Thambi, who had become accustomed to human-provided food sources over a significant period. The word decade refers to a span of ten years, which appropriately fills the blank to indicate the long duration of time during which these interactions occurred. The phrase the last decade is a standard temporal expression used to denote a continuous period of time leading up to the present or the time of the narrative.

Explanation

The noun access is conventionally followed by the preposition to when describing the ability or opportunity to reach, use, or obtain a particular resource. In the context of the passage, the elephant had a consistent and unhindered availability of food sources within the village environment. The phrase easy access to food is the standard idiomatic expression used to indicate that a subject can readily obtain necessary provisions or reach a specific location where resources are found.

Explanation

In the context of brick production, a kiln is a specialized oven or furnace used for firing and hardening clay into bricks. The term brick kilns refers to the manufacturing sites where these structures are located. The passage describes an elephant attracted to these industrial areas near Coimbatore because the processes involved, such as the use of palm pith for baking bricks and the presence of water storage, provided easy access to food and hydration.

Explanation

The noun water is an uncountable noun, and the phrase plenty of is a standard idiomatic expression used to indicate an ample or more than sufficient quantity of something. In the context of the passage, the brick kilns attracted the elephant by providing a large and reliable supply of water. The quantifier plenty functions effectively here to describe the abundance of the resource that encouraged the elephant to frequent the village of Thadagam instead of staying entirely in the wild.

Explanation

The context of the passage refers to the process of baking bricks in kilns, which requires a source of heat. Palm pith is a combustible organic material derived from the soft interior of palm trees. In the brick-making industry, it is utilized as a substance burned to produce the high temperatures necessary for firing and hardening clay bricks. Therefore, the term fuel correctly identifies its functional role in the industrial process described.

Explanation

The idiom all ears is used to describe a person or a group of people who are listening very closely and are eager to hear what is being said. It implies a state of being fully focused and highly observant of the speaker's words, often out of intense interest or anticipation. In the context of a speech, saying the crowd was all ears signifies that the audience was very attentive and gave their undivided attention to the orator.

Explanation

The original sentence is in the passive voice, indicated by the construction was decided and the agent introduced by by the members. To convert it into the active voice, the agent the members becomes the subject of the sentence. The past simple passive verb was decided is changed to the active past simple form decided. The subsequent clause that the report would be placed is simplified into the infinitive phrase to place the report, maintaining the original intent and tense while creating a direct subject-verb-object relationship.

Explanation

The verb smell functions as a linking verb in this sentence because it describes a quality or state of the subject rather than an action performed by the subject. Linking verbs, which include verbs of perception like taste, feel, look, and sound, must be followed by an adjective to modify the noun or pronoun they refer to. The adjective sweet correctly describes the attribute of the flowers. Using an adverb like sweetly is grammatically incorrect here because it would imply the flowers are actively performing the mechanical process of smelling in a sweet manner.

Explanation

The segment offer by the government is grammatically incorrect because it uses the base form of the verb instead of the past participle. In this context, the subsidies are being described by a reduced relative clause (subsidies which are offered by the government). To modify the noun subsidies with a passive meaning, the past participle offered is required to indicate that the action is performed by the government. Using the base form offer fails to establish the necessary passive relationship between the noun and the agent.

Explanation

The word acquit means to formally state in a court of law that someone is not guilty of a crime they were accused of. Its direct opposite is convict, which means to officially declare someone guilty of a criminal offense by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge. While the former results in the discharge and liberation of the accused, the latter results in a legal finding of guilt and subsequent sentencing.

Explanation

The paragraph follows a logical progression from a general introduction to specific definitions and clarifications. Sentence C serves as the opening statement by introducing the fundamental concept of a network of stories created by people over time. Sentence A follows directly by using the demonstrative phrase This network of stories to link back to the preceding sentence and provide the academic labels for this concept, namely fiction or imagined realities. Sentence D continues the discussion of this network, describing the power and presence of fiction within it. Sentence B concludes the sequence by providing a nuanced clarification of the term imagined reality introduced in the earlier sentences, using the transition word However to distinguish it from the concept of a lie.

Explanation

The idiom swollen-headed refers to someone who has an excessively high opinion of themselves, often becoming arrogant or proud due to a specific achievement or success. It describes a state of vanity where an individual feels superior to others. The word conceited is a direct synonym, as it characterizes a person who is overly proud of their own appearance, abilities, or importance. In the given sentence, Sudhir's accomplishment of securing the first rank resulted in him developing this arrogant attitude.

Explanation

The word incorrigible is used to describe a person or their habits and behaviors that are so firmly established that they cannot be reformed, improved, or corrected. It is derived from the Latin word incorrigibilis, where the prefix in- means not and corrigere means to correct. Therefore, it specifically denotes something or someone that is beyond the possibility of being set right.

Explanation

This sentence follows the structure of a first conditional sentence, which is used to describe a possible future event based on a specific condition in the present. The grammatical rule for a type 1 conditional requires the condition clause to be in the simple present tense (If you join) and the main clause to be in the future simple tense (it will prove). Since the phrase in the long run clearly refers to a future outcome resulting from the current action of joining the job, the use of will prove is necessary to maintain correct tense agreement and logical flow.

Explanation

The word tender describes something that is soft, delicate, or gentle in texture, temperament, or treatment. It characterizes surfaces that are smooth or actions that are sensitive and compassionate. Rough serves as the direct antonym because it refers to a surface that is coarse, uneven, or abrasive, or behavior that is harsh and lacking in gentleness. While tender implies a quality that is easily damaged or sensitive to touch, rough implies a quality that is rugged, forceful, or uneven, representing the polar opposite in both physical texture and manner of conduct.

Explanation

The idiom playing with fire refers to engaging in an activity that is inherently dangerous, risky, or likely to result in serious trouble. It draws a metaphorical parallel to the physical danger of handling fire, where a small mistake can lead to a disastrous outcome. In the given sentence, Raju is challenging his management, an action that carries a high probability of negative consequences for his employment or reputation, thereby representing the act of taking a grave risk.

Explanation

Sentence D serves as the introductory statement by establishing the location, Karol Bagh market in Delhi, and the central theme of the passage: the surprise encountered by visitors. Sentence A follows logically by explaining the cause of that surprise, which was the transition of the vehicle-clogged market into a pedestrian-friendly zone. Sentence B provides specific details regarding the new organization of the street, such as the stripes marked for hawkers. Sentence C concludes the description by using the transition word also to introduce the final detail about the addition of potted plants for a green appearance.

Explanation

The word adept is used to describe someone who is highly proficient or expert at a particular task or activity. It originates from the Latin word adeptus, meaning one who has attained a high level of knowledge or skill. Therefore, skilled is its most accurate synonym as it refers to having the ability or training necessary to do something well.

Explanation

The word initiate is a verb that means to cause a process or action to begin or to set something in motion. The word start is its direct synonym, as it signifies the commencement of an event, activity, or procedure. Both terms are used interchangeably to describe the first step or the opening stage of an undertaking.

Explanation

The conjunction in order that is used to indicate purpose or intention, typically followed by a clause with a modal verb like may or can to show a desired outcome. In the given sentence, the relationship between the two clauses is one of cause and effect rather than purpose. The possession of good communication skills is the reason behind her receiving promotions. Therefore, a causal conjunction such as because or since should be used to correctly link the result to the reason, making in order that grammatically inappropriate in this context.

Explanation

The verb adjourn means to suspend the proceedings of a meeting, session, or trial with the intention of resuming it at another time or place. In formal contexts, when a discussion or assembly is postponed to a specific future date, such as next week, the term adjourned is the standard vocabulary used to describe this temporary suspension. The structure of the sentence indicates that the deliberations have reached a point where the current session is ending but will continue later, which aligns perfectly with the definition of this term.